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Bordeaux Wineries

We have recently took a several days trip in the Medoc region just north of Bordeaux.
We have been living since few years now in the south west of France (we are Canadians from BC!) and are still in a "discovery" mode of this country and believe me, there are many things to see in France.
The purpose of our visit was the discovery of some of the Bordeaux region renown wine "chateaux".
Médoc region is known for its famous wineries - Margaux, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Saint- Estephe - many of which were awarded in 1855 the "Grand Cru Classe" designation.This mark of quality is still respected nowadays and for good reason: some of the wines we tasted at these "chateaux" were heavenly.
What is more is that many of the main residences of the wineries are real "chateaux": impressive buildings - some of them even resembling the Dordogne castles - built centuries ago.
I have added all the information about the wine and the vienyards of Bordeaux (I could think important) in a post at:http://southweststory.com/bordeaux-region-wineries
Hope it is of help to anybody interested in the wine tourism in Bordeaux region.

Carla thank you for that extensive list of wineries and explanation. We wanted to take the TGV from Paris to either Bordeaux or Beaune and explore for 3 days before going to La Rochelle/Ile de re. Can you tell me where you would base yourself in the region? Would it be Beaune or Bordeaux? Would you get a car to drive around or hire a car? I think Ile de re is only a few hours away so I am assuming you have to drive but maybe there is a train I'm not sure yet. maybe you know since you are in the region? Thank you so much!!

centeno, to reiterate from several other threads, you really need a map of France. Beaune is nowhere near Bordeaux or La Rochelle. Of course there's a train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle: www.voyages-sncf.com.

Thank you! I am trying and I will In your humble opinion would you do Paris/Loire Valley/La Rochelle or Paris/bordeaux/La Rochelle? I am having a difficult time deciding and figuring out if we take trains, rent a car at some point etc. I have looked at maps and some distances, read various posts. Some love Loire valley, some don't , some say bordeaux is a more beautiful country side etc. We love food, culture, wine, small shops, not so touristy but not so quiet either. If we see versailles and another chateau how many do you really need to go see. Would love to see they Abbey of Fontenay! The problem is it ALL sounds wonderful so I guess one way to decide is the easiest itinerary from Paris to La Rochelle/Ile de Re where we will begin and end
Thank you!

I wanted to add some information to this super informative post about the Bordeaux region: did you know the city of Bordeaux houses the Bordeaux Wine School, too?

In addition to taking a tour of the Chateaux, you can also book a summer workshop at the Wine School in the city of Bordeaux to get a more independent and perhaps slightly more professional introduction to the wine region, its grape varieties and wine making techniques. And of course you also get to taste some wines along the way, from various local wineries. More information can be found here: http://www.bordeaux.com/uk/wineschool/programs/summer-course/details!